Kim Kardashian Explains Vacation Post After Grandmother MJ's Death, Lewis Hamilton Shares Emotional Tribute

Reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian has responded to criticism over an Instagram post that appeared shortly before news broke of the death of her grandmother, Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon. Facing backlash over the timing of the post, Kim clarified that it had been scheduled days in advance and insisted that her focus remained entirely on her family during the difficult time.

Hours later, Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton also paid tribute by sharing personal photos with Kim and posting a heartfelt message encouraging people to cherish their loved ones.

Why Kim Kardashian Faced Backlash

Just minutes before Kris Jenner announced the passing of her mother, Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon, Kim shared a series of photographs from a lakeside family vacation.

The post, captioned "Lake Life," featured moments with her sisters, children and other family members enjoying time on the water.

Some social media users criticised the timing, describing the post as insensitive in light of the family's bereavement.

Kim Says the Post Was Scheduled Earlier

Responding directly to the criticism, Kim Kardashian explained in the comments that the vacation post had been scheduled several days before MJ's passing.

She said she had spent the past week with her mother and grandmother and that her heart remained with her family as they mourned the loss.

Kim also stated that the family would now focus on celebrating MJ's life and legacy.

A Personal Tribute to Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon

Following the clarification, Kim shared a separate emotional tribute dedicated to her grandmother.

She described MJ as:

• Her best friend
• Her gossip partner
• Her "forever twin"

Kim also credited her grandmother for teaching the family the importance of staying close together and inspiring her through her work ethic as a successful businesswoman.

Kris Jenner Announces Her Mother's Passing

Kris Jenner announced the death of Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon, calling her "the heart of our family."

In her tribute, Kris reflected on the values her mother had passed down, including kindness, unconditional love and the importance of cherishing every moment with family.

MJ was 91 years old.

Lewis Hamilton Shares a Message of Support

Several hours after the family's tributes, Lewis Hamilton posted a series of personal photographs and videos featuring moments with Kim Kardashian during a lakeside getaway.

Accompanying the post, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion wrote:

"Hold your people close."

The images included candid moments of the pair spending time together, with Hamilton's message widely interpreted as an expression of support for Kim and her family during their loss.

Who Was Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon?

Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon was a familiar face to fans of the Kardashian family through appearances on Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Kardashians.

Known for her calm and affectionate personality, she also founded the children's boutique Shannon & Co. in San Diego.

MJ was first married to Robert Houghton, with whom she had Kris Jenner, before later marrying Harry Shannon, who remained her husband until his death in 2003.

She is survived by her family, including Kris Jenner, while her younger daughter Karen Houghton passed away in 2024.

Key Highlights

• Kim Kardashian clarified her vacation Instagram post had been scheduled before her grandmother's death.
• The reality star later shared an emotional tribute to Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon.
• Kris Jenner described her late mother as "the heart of our family."
• Lewis Hamilton shared photos with Kim alongside the message, "Hold your people close."
• MJ Shannon was 91 and frequently appeared on the Kardashian family's reality television shows.

FAQs

Why did Kim Kardashian face criticism?

Kim was criticised after sharing vacation photos shortly before news of her grandmother's death became public. She later clarified the post had been scheduled in advance.

Who was Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon?

Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon was Kris Jenner's mother and Kim Kardashian's grandmother. She appeared regularly on the Kardashian family's reality shows and was a businesswoman.

What did Kim Kardashian say after the backlash?

Kim explained that her Instagram post had been scheduled days earlier and said she had been by her family's side throughout the week.

What message did Lewis Hamilton share?

Lewis Hamilton posted personal photos with Kim Kardashian and wrote, "Hold your people close," expressing support during the family's loss.

How old was Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon?

Mary Jo "MJ" Shannon was 91 years old at the time of her passing.